Celebrating Manoj Bajpayee's birthday: A journey through iconic roles

Online Desk

Bhiku Mhatre, 'Satya' (1998)

Bajpayee's portrayal of the volatile gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Satya' remains etched in the minds of cinephiles. His raw intensity and nuanced performance earned him widespread acclaim, making Bhiku one of the most iconic characters in Bollywood history.

Sardar Khan, 'Gangs of Wasseypur' (2012)

In Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus, 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' Bajpayee embodied the complex character of Sardar Khan with unparalleled brilliance. His portrayal of the vengeful and patriarchal gangster showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between vulnerability and ferocity, earning him critical acclaim and a cult following.

Prof. Ramchandra Siras, 'Aligarh' (2016)

In Hansal Mehta's poignant drama 'Aligarh,' Bajpayee delivered a career-defining performance as Prof. Ramchandra Siras, a homosexual professor who faces discrimination and ostracism from society. His portrayal was marked by subtlety and sensitivity, shedding light on important social issues with grace and empathy.

Veerendra Pratap, 'Shool' (1999)

As the honest and righteous cop Veerendra Pratap in Eeshwar Nivas' 'Shool,' Bajpayee showcased his versatility once again. His portrayal of a man torn between his duty and personal ethics was lauded for its authenticity and depth, cementing his status as one of Bollywood's finest actors.

Inspector Samar Pratap Singh, 'Aks' (2001)

In Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's psychological thriller 'Aks,' Bajpayee delivered a riveting performance as Inspector Samar Pratap Singh, a cop hunting down his own doppelganger. His portrayal of the morally ambiguous character was praised for its intensity and complexity, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Rashid, 'Pinjar' (2003)

Bajpayee's portrayal of Rashid, a man torn between love and loyalty in Chandraprakash Dwivedi's 'Pinjar,' showcased his versatility as an actor. His nuanced performance captured the essence of the character's internal conflict, earning him widespread acclaim and accolades.

Prof. Tathagat Shastri 'Special 26' (2013)

In Neeraj Pandey's heist thriller 'Special 26,' Bajpayee portrayed the determined and astute CBI officer Prof. Tathagat Shastri with conviction and finesse. His performance added depth to the narrative, elevating the film's intrigue and suspense.